Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI with 2025-30 plan

CIOB and others in the B.E.Inclusive initiative have agreed the next phase of their joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.

CIOB and the eight other built environment bodies in the B.E. Inclusive initiative have agreed the next phase of their joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan, building on the three-year programme launched in 2022.

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in May 2025, to extend the collaboration into a five-year phase from 2025 to 2030, formalising a refined programme of joint work by the current signatory bodies.

The recent B.E. Inclusive CEO’s meeting marked an important milestone in reviewing progress to date and shaping how this new plan will be delivered. Leaders discussed early lessons and achievements and how best to sharpen delivery of the shared plan. The group focused on turning improved evidence and shared learning into tangible change for professionals and the communities they serve.

Core focuses during 2025-2030

Data collection and analysis: Improving EDI data collection and analysis across the professions and sharing findings with the wider sector so that action benefits the whole built environment, not only members of the institutions.

Recruitment pipeline: Addressing skills gaps and shortages by strengthening pathways for underrepresented groups, improving transitions from built environment degree courses into work, and supporting people returning to the profession after a career break.

Workplace culture and behaviour: Promoting respectful, inclusive behaviours and clearer expectations across the professions so that all within the sector understand and meet high standards in their work with clients, colleagues and communities.

For members of the partner institutions, the collaboration aims to provide clearer expectations on EDI, more transparent data and stronger support at key stages of their careers. By working together, the institutions aim to reduce duplication, share good practice and increase the impact of EDI initiatives across the built environment.

Dr Victoria Hills, CIOB CEO, said: “It is significant that so many organisations, representing so many people from the built environment sector, have come together to reconfirm our shared commitment to an inclusive and supportive industry. This is an important statement and one which reinforces the long-term collaborative, collective sense of duty to represent the diversity of our society in our industry. Together we will also continue work to ensure our sector is welcoming and able to attract the next generation of construction professionals.”

The action plan is delivered by a core working group made up of representatives from:

• The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
• The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES)
• The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT)
• The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• The Landscape Institute (LI)
• The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) 

It is significant that so many organisations, representing so many people from the built environment sector, have come together to reconfirm our shared commitment to an inclusive and supportive industry.

Dr Victoria Hills, CIOB CEO

This article appears on the CIOB news and blog site as "Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI with 2025-30 plan" dated 5 February, 2026.

--CIOB

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